Reviews of trips to Windhoek
1097 holiday reviews from our travellers of holidays which include Windhoek.
"My Oct 2018 trip"
All was fantastic. No significant problems or issues, loved the country, would love to return. Mostly met Germans & Dutch; only met two American couples, Americans are really missing out!
Roads were not too bad and very little traffic.
I was surprised and saddened (or probably just ignorant) to see the racism and poverty that still exists in our world." Read full review: 23 nights in Africa; 21 on a Namibia trip
"Namibia - much greener than I expected"
Etosha National Park was slightly disappointing for us as we had been on many safaris in South Africa and Botswana, and Etosha was very much like the Kruger National Park in South Africa, where again one had to stay on the roads through the park. However the reserve around the lodge was much better and the driver could drive over a much wider area, and the scenery there was stunning, with plenty of wild life, including a caracal which I gather isn't frequently seen. Seeing a vast herd of zebra patiently waiting for three lions to leave a water hole so that they could then have a drink was also fascinating. The guide also went to great lengths to find us white rhinos.
We liked Damaraland and the harsh, volcanic scenery. My wife really enjoyed Sossusvlei and the dunes. I had expected them to be the highlight of the trip, coming at the end, but I'm afraid the anticipated Wow Factor didn't materialise for me, but I still enjoyed the excursion and the Dead Vlei was most dramatic.
Providing landing cards for Namibia, with instructions how to complete them, was a great bonus. None were available on the plane and all the passengers had to scramble to get them and fill them in at Windhoek airport so we were almost the first people through passport control.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
On the landing card there is a question asking how much we anticipated spending in Namibia. I said I didn't know and that was not acceptable, although the passport officer wasn't bothered what figure I put in as long as I put in some figure. You might point this out with the information you provide about completing the landing card as a couple next to us were given quite a hard time about the way they had completed the form." Read full review: 7 nights in Africa; 7 on a Namibia trip
"Wonderful trip"
Wonderful country, lovely people, excellent guides" Read full review: 27 nights in Africa; 12 on a Namibia trip
"1 - 18 October trip overall"
Fuel stations were frequent and mostly took cards by staff at the pumps. The lodges were very well appointed with soap, shampoo, hairdryers, dressing gowns and fridges (not at Grootberg). Not all lodges provided laundry facilities, despite an indication that they would (under exclusions) on the itinerary.
We were travelling with friends who had their own car so bought walkie talkies which were very useful together with a free road map app that my husband downloaded to his phone which didn't need internet and it was invaluable. Highly recommend the app. We drove 2,500 kms, mostly on dirt roads, some better than others.
We thought all the tours (with the exception of Grootberg) were very good value with knowledgeable guides who certainly didn't clock watch. Staff were always helpful and friendly, the food was variable and the wine good quality and value." Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 16 on a Namibia trip
"My Sep 2018 trip"
The guiding generally although in most cases was competent was well below that v high standard experienced elsewhere as above.
We were v glad we did not drive flying was much the better option." Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 11 on a Namibia trip
"Our Namibia trip October 2018"
The accommodation was a good distance apart so no driving day was too difficult and we felt safe and confident driving ourselves around the country despite some very bumpy roads. This also gave us the opportunity to find small cafes (with excellent cakes) and helpful garages (we'll fix your slow puncture while you have coffee and cake!).
Everyone we met was friendly helpful and welcoming giving us a very positive impression of the country. People were especially helpful and supportive as we had older people travelling with us. They were also very responsive to our requests for including birdwathcing in all trips (114 species seen).
There was much greater variety than a traditional safari holiday. The game viewing was better than we had expected as we didn't include Etosha in our itinerary. However we also loved the varied landscapes such as Fish River Canyon, the dunes at Sossusvlei and Sandwich Harbour, and the bush in Damarland and Waterberg. Our tours were always in smaller groups which gave us more flexibility.
We will be recommending Namibia and Expert Africa to all our friends!" Read full review: 18 nights in Africa; 16 on a Namibia trip
"Namibia Sept/Oct"
The highlights for us were the stunning beauty and variety of the landscapes, friendly people, amazing wildlife which we observed on organised game drives( also being able to do self drive game drives in Etosha was a treat) and very comfortable lodges. If you want a real adventure holiday Namibia is a must. Be prepared though for some long drives on dusty gravelled roads.
I would happily recommend Expert Africa and Wilderness Safaris to anyone wanting to visit Namibia.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
No. You ticked all the boxes for us." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 14 on a Namibia trip
"Exellent"
We had lots of variety but I think we would say the private mobile safari was our favourite thing. When we started our holiday we thought a month away was a long holiday but we didn't once feel it was too long, probably just right really. We saw such amazing things. Megan was great when we had some money stolen out of the safe in one of the lodges, fortunately we didn't need to take her up on her offer to get cash to us.
We found Megan to be very knowledgeable and she always listened to our requests. Thank you for making this a dream holiday." Read full review: 31 nights in Africa; 18 on a Namibia trip
"My Sep 2018 trip"
"Our best vacation ever!"
The team member who organized our trip has first-hand knowledge of Namibia, which was very helpful. Expert Africa thought of every detail, provided comprehensive information and were responsive to us during our trip as well.
We are already planning our next trip to Africa and will use Expert Africa to plan that trip as well." Read full review: 21 nights in Africa; 19 on a Namibia trip
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Inspire meWhere to stay in Windhoek
Our suggestions for places to stay in Windhoek
Olive Grove
In a quiet Windhoek suburb, Olive Grove is one of our favourite guesthouses: stylish, with a friendly, welcoming atmosphere and excellent food.
Galton House
A cool stylish sanctuary in a quiet suburb of Windhoek, Galton House boasts a pool and a restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Elegant Guesthouse
The Elegant Guesthouse is a friendly, comfortable establishment with a lovely, tranquil garden, and is a good choice for an overnight stay in Windhoek.
River Crossing
Secluded on a private game reserve between Windhoek and the international airport, River Crossing is a tranquil place to start or end a trip.
Villa Violet
Villa Violet is a friendly, owner-run guesthouse in a residential area of Windhoek, just a few minutes' drive from the city centre and numerous restaurants.
Haus Sonneneck
Haus Sonneneck was one of Windhoek's best pensions just a few minutes' drive away from the city centre, however it has now closed.
Weinberg Hotel
In a quiet upmarket suburb of Klein Windhoek, the stylish Weinberg has a friendly, welcoming atmosphere and luxury facilities.
Olive Exclusive
The Olive Exclusive is perhaps Windhoek's most luxurious boutique hotel but remains a friendly and unpretentious place to stay.
GocheGanas
For somewhere to really pamper yourself, Gocheganas Lodge & Spa offers wildlife combined with extensive wellness treatments.
Heinitzburg Hotel
One of the oldest hotels in Windhoek, the Heinitzberg occupies a great hill-top location but can feel like a relic of a bygone era.
Etango Ranch G. Farm
Etango offers simple, clean, comfortable accommodation and it’s the closest accommodation to Windhoek International Airport.
Immanuel Wilderness
Within easy reach of Windhoek, Immanuel Wilderness Lodge is a good overnight option for those who don't wish to stay in the city.
Sun Karros Daan Viljoen
Situated within the Daan Viljoen Nature reserve Sun Karros is a simple lodge with gentle game viewing and bird watching opportunities.
Omaanda
Omaanda offers luxury accommodation and wildlife viewing within easy reach of the international airport and Windhoek City.
Hotel Thule
Windhoek’s Hotel Pension Thule offers stunning views across the city and a reputable in-house restaurant, within easy reach of the international airport.
Ti Melen
Overlooking Avis Dam, Ti Melen is on the outskirts of Windhoek, yet only 10-minutes from the city's amenities.
Desert Express
The Desert Express runs from Windhoek to Swakopmund on set departures. Recently this schedule has been somewhat erratic.
